The boxing world erupted in controversy and outrage late Saturday night after Gervonta “Tank” Davis retained his WBA lightweight title in a contentious majority draw against Lamont Roach Jr. at Barclays Center, sparking a firestorm of reactions from fans, analysts, and fighters alike. With the judges scoring the bout 115-113 for Davis and 114-114 twice, the result has left many convinced that Roach was robbed of a victory, with cries of “He lost that fight!” echoing across social media and boxing forums.
The 12-round clash, broadcast live on SHOWTIME PPV and watched by over 500,000 pay-per-view buyers, pitted the undefeated Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) against Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs), the WBA super featherweight champion stepping up to challenge for the lightweight crown. Davis, a Baltimore native and one of boxing’s biggest stars, entered as a massive favorite, expected to dominate with his signature knockout power. Roach, a Washington D.C. underdog, promised to shock the world with his skill and heart, and for much of the fight, he delivered.
From the opening bell, the bout was tactical and competitive, with both fighters cautious but explosive. Davis started slowly, as is his custom, while Roach pressed forward, landing jabs and body shots to establish dominance. By the middle rounds, Roach’s counterpunching and resilience began to shine, particularly in rounds seven through nine, where he landed sharp hooks, uppercuts, and combinations that rocked Davis. The turning point came in the ninth round, when Davis unexpectedly took a knee, claiming grease from his braids was impairing his vision. Referee Steve Willis controversially refused to call it a knockdown, allowing Davis to retreat to his corner for a wipe-down—a decision that has since become the focal point of the uproar.
Roach capitalized on the momentum, unleashing a barrage of punches in the championship rounds, outlanding Davis in total punches (112 of 400 for Roach vs. 103 of 279 for Davis, per CompuBox stats) and showcasing his technical prowess. Despite Davis’ late flurry, the fight went the distance, and the judges’ split decision left the Barclays Center crowd booing loudly, unconvinced by the outcome. Davis retained his title, but the draw marked the first blemish on his previously unblemished record, while Roach walked away claiming a moral victory.
The reaction online has been explosive, with posts on X reflecting widespread frustration and disbelief. “He lost that fight!” tweeted one fan, echoing the sentiment of many who believe Roach’s performance warranted a clear win. “Lamont outboxed Tank all night—Steve Willis and the judges robbed him of a historic upset,” wrote another, referencing the ninth-round non-knockdown call. Other users slammed Davis, with comments like, “This wasn’t the Tank we know—Roach exposed him,” and “Gervonta got bailed out by bad refereeing.” The hashtag #RoachRobbed has trended globally, with over 2 million mentions since the final bell, alongside #DavisDraw, as fans demand a rematch.
Boxing icons have weighed in with sharp opinions. Floyd Mayweather, Davis’ former mentor, posted on X, “Tank’s still got it, but that ninth round was a mess. Roach gave him a real fight—rematch makes sense.” Shakur Stevenson, a rival lightweight contender, added, “Lamont outworked Davis, no question. That draw stinks of favoritism.” Deontay Wilder, known for his knockout power, commented, “Roach should’ve had that win—Tank’s lucky the ref didn’t call the kneel.”
Roach himself expressed disappointment but remained defiant in the post-fight press conference. “I definitely thought I won this fight,” he told reporters. “I went toe-to-toe with one of the best, and I proved I belong at 135. They can boo all they want, but I’m not satisfied with a draw—I want that rematch.” Davis, for his part, acknowledged Roach’s skill but stood by his performance, saying, “Lamont’s a great fighter, but I felt I did enough. The grease in my eye threw me off, but I’ll be back stronger. Let’s run it back.”
The controversy has also drawn scrutiny to referee Steve Willis, with critics labeling his ninth-round decision as “incompetence” and “a disgrace to boxing.” Analysts like Max Kellerman of *ESPN* argued, “That non-knockdown call was the difference. Roach deserved at least a 10-8 round there, and it could’ve swung the fight his way.” Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with one user writing, “Willis handed Davis a gift—Roach was robbed blind.”
The draw has significant implications for the lightweight division. Davis, still undefeated on paper, faces questions about his form after a lackluster performance, while Roach’s stock rises as an underdog who nearly pulled off a monumental upset. Both fighters have called for a rematch, with PBC reportedly already in talks to schedule a second bout in late 2025, potentially in Las Vegas or Saudi Arabia. The outcome could also impact Davis’ rumored mega-fight with Shakur Stevenson or Keyshawn Davis, as his aura of invincibility has taken a hit.
As the boxing world digests this polarizing result, the debate rages on: Did Gervonta Davis truly win, or was Lamont Roach unjustly denied a historic victory? The outcry on X and in arenas suggests the latter, with fans and experts united in their belief that “He lost that fight!” This draw has not only left the lightweight division in flux but also ignited one of the most heated discussions in recent boxing history.
Stay tuned for updates as the fallout continues, with real-time reactions and analysis available on X under #RoachRobbed. This controversial draw could redefine the paths of both fighters and reshape the future of the 135-pound crown.
